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Christmas Traditions in Spanish Countries

Peru, Mexico, Cuba, and Spain

Christmas in Peru

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• The Peruvian retablos  have an Andean twist with the inclusion of llamas and alpacas in place of the usual donkeys and sheep.

• Three dimensional table top wooden boxes are made of carved and painted figurines.

A Retablo or Altar piece

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• Churches and other organizations hosts chocolatadas throughout the days leading up to Christmas.

• Free pieces of panetón are given

• Along with a cup of hot chocolate that’s spiced with cloves and cinnamon.

Chocolatadas or Chocolate parties

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• Misa de Gallo• Special mass around 10

pm. The late hour of this mass represents the Bible story of the shepherds seeing the Star of Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth

• Cena de Navidad• The meal usually features

a roast turkey or a roast pig with tamales and potatoe salads, followed by panetón and hot chocolate.

• Tonos• Plenty of dancing,

drinking, and fireworks will take place, and often the party doesn’t wind down until 5 or 6 am.Nochebuena or

Christmas Eve

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The Nativity manger is a focal point of Christmas decorations in a typical Peruvian household. Most mangers feature intricate detailing and are carved out of pottery, wood or huamanga stone

El Pesebre or Nativity Scene

{Coro de niños-Rueda,Rueda

• During Christmas in Peru many homes sing and play “villancicos.”

• Some of the most famous villancicos are:

• Rueda, Rueda• Los pesos en

el rio

Villancicos- Christmas Carols

{“Las Posadas,” “Las Pastorelas,” “La Fiesta de Reyes.” The first two traditions were born as a vehicle to teach religion to the Aztecs.

Christmas in Mexico

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• From December 16th to the 24th children in Mexico recreate the pilgrimage that Mary and Joseph lived while searching for lodging in what is one of the most awaited Mexican traditions

• After each “Posada night” there is a “pińata” party.

Las Posadas

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“Las Pastorelas” are infused with humor through the improvisation of lines. The shepherds follow the star in the East to go visit baby Jesus but on their way they encounter many obstacles set by the devils while the Archangel San Gabriel tries to help.  Enjoyment, slang and good humor characterize “Las Pastorelas” that many churches reenact at their steps or in theaters with known artists who perform the roles.

Las Pastorelas

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• Children during Christmas in Mexico open their presents on January 6th or Día de Los Reyes.

• The family reunites this day also to share the famous “rosca de reyes,” which is a round bread made with fruits and a small figurine of Jesus inside.

• Whoever finds the baby Jesus is to host a party on Feb. 2nd Candelmass Day. (tamales are the food of choice).

La Fiesta de Reyes

{Banned from the nation’s calendar in 1969.President Castro restored the holiday in 1997 to honor the request of Pope John Paul II during his visit to the island.

Christmas in Cuba

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Thousands of Cubans worship at midnight Masses, as church bells ring out across Havana at the stroke of the midnight hour signifying the transition from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day. Giant-sized TV screens are set up in the square outside Havanna's cathedral so that crowds can watch the Pope celebrate Christmas mass .

Havana’s Revolution Square

{For some who can afford to celebrate, Christmas in Cuba includes a special dinner made of roasted pork, plantains, beans and rice.

Christmas Feast

{Christmas Music in Cuba

The hotels serve the same menu while entertaining the tourists with typical music, games, and shows where national athletes participate.

Christmas Music

{The Spaniards consider their Christmas time or Navidades, to be from December 24th to January 6th.

Christmas in Spain

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• Held on Dec. 22nd, it is considered the unofficial start of Christmas season.

• Children can be heard calling out the numbers and prizes of the Lotería de Navidad, which is likely the most followed Spanish lottery during the entire year. In Spain, when you hear the melodic sounds of the prize draw on the radio, you think: “Christmas time has arrived".

Loteria de Navidad- Christmas loterry

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Spaniards often gather around a table loaded with exquisite delicacies to have dinner together The annual family affair is a joyful event, where the sumptuous meal and the high spirits carry on until late at night.Nochebuena or

Christmas Eve

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Many Christian also attend the Misa del Gallo, a mass service offered at midnight on the 24th.

The most beautiful of these candlelight services is held at the monastery of Montserrat, high in the mountain near Barcelona, which is highlighted by a boy's choir describes as performing the Mass in "one pure voice.”Salve Regina

Misa de Gallo – Midnight Mass

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In Spain it is celebrated in much the same way as April Fool’s Day is in other cultures, meaning Dec. 28th is a day to watch out for tricks or “inocentadas” that pranksters are looking to play on people.

“Día de los Santos Innocents” or Day of the Holy Innocents

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According to tradition, observers must wolf down 12 grapes at this time to guarantee good fortune for the New Year. Afterward, excited revelers often offer toasts to the New Year with glasses of cava. The festive spirit continues until the early morning.

La noche vieja-New Year’s Eve

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On Jan. 5th, many make their way to their favorite bakeries to order a Roscón de Reyes (a ring shaped cake eaten on Jan. 6th), which they will enjoy for breakfast the following day.Children place their shoes on the doorstep, and in the secret of the night, the Three Wise Men pass leaving gifts. January 6th, is heralded with parades in various cities where candy and cakes are distributed to throngs of children.Three King's Parade-BarcelonaReyes Magos or Three

Kings

Your assignment

After seeing this presentation on La Navidad in Peru, Mexico, Cuba, and Spain, answer the following questions:

What are the similarities amongst the Christmas celebrations? What elements are common in all of them?

What are the major differences?

What are the different names given to the “Nativity Scene”?

What is “Noche Buena”?

What is “Las Posadas” What is “La Misa de Gallo”